Many are familiar with the Total Consecration method started by St. Louis de Montfort. He wrote extensively about the devotion particularly in his book True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Some however, find the language in this book difficult. Written in 1712 then discovered and published in 1843, the book was written in a style familiar to readers of those times. There have been a few attempts in the centuries since to adapt the method of St. Louis de Montfort to more modern language. Father Ed Broom has added another to the list, Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary, and its unique approach adds much value to the devotion.

The book provides a do-it-yourself retreat that utilizes the twenty Mysteries of the Rosary as well as the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The entire process takes five weeks. The first four weeks focus on each set of the mysteries of the Rosary; Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. The final week looks at the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Knowing that there are five individual mysteries per set you are probably wondering what happens on the two remaining days each week. Simply put, you will revisit two of that week’s mysteries that appeal to you.

Each week is further divided into days, which focus on the individual mysteries or sorrows. Each day is laid out as follows:

1. Scripture passage to read slowly and prayerfully

2. Meditation on the particular mystery or sorrow

3. Bullet points of Consideration (For example, in the Visitation, you reflect on Mary Starting her Journey, Mary’s Canticle of Praise, and Mary’s Three Months with Elizabeth)

4. A daily walk/conversation with Mary to properly close the mediation and apply it to your daily life

If you have never tried a total consecration before because it seemed too difficult or the language was hard to grasp now’s the time to give it a go. Father Ed Broom provides a wonderful resource that makes consecration easy and fruitful. If you already have the rosary in your daily routine Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary is a perfect next step in your faith journey.